Sunday, July 18, 2010

Dr. Roden replaced the gastric tube formerly in Vivian's abdomen with a g-button. I'm not sure why previously Vivian was unable to receive the button for six weeks; I had understood it was because of the more durable approach the surgeon had chosen, but I am certainly glad that someone decided we no longer had to wait so long. The new button is much less obtrusive and cumbersome than the six-inch protruding foley catheter tube with its requisite clamp.

Vivian's port is in place under the skin on the opposite side of her abdomen. Vivian will be able to receive IV fluids and antibiotics there, and the nurses can use the port for routine blood draws. Hopefully we will cover the g-button and the port such that Vivian doesn't notice or bother with them.

I believe the plan today is to keep Vivian sedated so that she is quiet and comfortable during her recovery. Dr. Wick would like to introduce some clear broths and liquids to Vivian this afternoon and see how Vivian tolerates swallowing and receiving them. If Vivian handles those well, we can progress to other fare. I would like to feed Vivian some Cream of Wheat as that's one of her favorite foods at home.

This morning's surgeries were such minor setbacks compared to how far Vivian has come. We are elated beyond words at the prospect that our sweet, funny, little Vivian is returning to us. I am certain that her teachers and others who know Vivian well are not one bit surprised at the curveballs the real Vivian is throwing at the nurses and doctors right now!

How can I ever thank you enough for praying, crying, laughing and celebrating with us on this journey? Praise God for Vivian who continues to bless us all with joy and adventure.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." Psalm 98:4

7 comments:

G-button and port=Happy News! Gary comiserates with you because apparently I was not very thrilled about all the wires and tubes, especially the one coming out of my head. And I was not to be reasoned with either! Things do get better.: )

All will be well! Praise God. This Houdini is a good sign...her feistiness is back and she is becoming more the Vivian we have all longed to see again...sweet,funny,determined and resourceful! Our family is still praying.

Oh how I love seeing that smiling little face! Praise God! I'm still praying for this sweet girl and her parents, siblings and grandparents...and last but not least the medical staff caring for her! She is a little Houdini for sure!Norah

Vivian is up to her old tricks...a very good sign, according to Carla. I AM sorry, however, that every step forward seems to require a set-back here and there. Hopefully, soon, the time will come for you ALL to be at home. Prayers continue for your strength and comfort!

Pictured above, starting in upper left and moving clockwise:

Married for 27 years to Robert, three kids: Will (23), Vivian (20) and Dots (17) ~~~~
Majored in mathematics at SMU, taught elementary school for six years before Will was born, currently tutoring math ~~~~
Things I enjoy: playing duplicate bridge, working NY Times crossword puzzles, reading good books, entertaining, visiting with friends, planning trips, traveling, playing board games, spending time with family, cooking, keeping up with old friends ~~~ happy to correspond with other parents about raising a child with special needs

Note about Pictures

I unintentionally contaminated all of the pictures on my blog when I changed my privacy settings on Flickr. I am working backwards to correct them all, but it is quite a tedious procedure! If you encounter a post with error messages from Flickr where the pictures should be, then I haven't gotten to that post yet. Please let me know and I will update it immediately. Thanks for your patience!